Britain is sending the house to France. The goal is to make Germany attack a large stack. No freebee capitulation. Britain can get at least 5 units to France every turn if they utilize air transport. Even more after the first turn. Add to that a maximum RAF build every other turn and the Allies can gain air superiority. UK does not need to worry about german bombing and a major u-boat campaign until after France falls. Germany must use all resources to taking out the French or risk a game losing debacle. Italy has to be very careful to stay out of the war long enough for German aircraft to cover the fleet. With France adding 4inf, 1ATG or an AA gun every turn, France is tough. Sure Germany can overwhelm them eventually, but they take losses. Sometimes heavy, especially the luftwaffe.
The USA makes sure to send economic aid to China every turn. Yes, the Chineese are holed up in the mountains until 1942, but with a stack approaching 30inf. I admit the Japs have neglected to bomb China. That is one area where the japs can improve. I suppose if the bombing is carried out from the start, China will be reduced by 6-8 inf by 1942. That is good news. So there is a little promise there.
After France falls the UK, taking advantage of US lend lease is able to really put heat on Italy. They are able to supply Cairo with enough ground forces to at least hold the Axis at bay most of the time. I was able to get into the Middle East one game but that was due in large part to poor Allied play.
One rule we played with last game was starting the Summer 1940, the French capitulation role gets another +1, and increases every turn. This encourages France to make an attack or risk capitulating easily. France is also encouraged to split their forces early to defend multiple territories allowing Germany overwhelming odds on one territory at a time as well. Because if France is a debacle, the rest of the game is pretty much decided.
Thanks for all the replies guys.
We are both very skilled Axis and Allies players, being at or near the top of the online clubs in our hay-day. So we're not chumps. I admit there are certainly areas we may be neglecting to manipulte to its full advantage as we are pretty new to this game. But it sure does appear dicey for the Axis to survive to 1943.